"Ave Maris Stella" (Hail, Star of the Sea) is a Marian hymn and prayer that dates back to the early Middle Ages. It is often used in the Liturgy of the Hours and other devotional settings within the Catholic Church. The hymn honors Mary as the Star of the Sea, a title that reflects her role as a guiding star for Christians navigating through the trials of life.

Ave Maris Stella Prayer

Latin:
Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
atque semper Virgo,
felix caeli porta.

Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
funda nos in pace,
mutans Evae nomen.

Solve vincla reis,
profer lumen caecis,
mala nostra pelle,
bona cuncta posce.

Monstra te esse matrem,
sumat per te preces,
qui pro nobis natus
tulit esse tuus.

Virgo singularis,
inter omnes mitis,
nos culpis solutos
mites fac et castos.

Vitam praesta puram,
iter para tutum,
ut videntes Jesum
semper collaetemur.

Sit laus Deo Patri,
summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto,
tribus honor unus. Amen.

Ave Maris Stella Prayer

English Translation:
Hail, Star of the Sea,
nurturing Mother of God,
and ever Virgin,
happy gate of Heaven.

Receiving that "Ave"
from Gabriel's mouth,
establish us in peace,
transforming the name of "Eve."

Loosen the chains of the guilty,
send forth light to the blind,
our evil do thou dispel,
entreat for us all good things.

Show thyself to be a Mother:
may he who has chosen to be born through thee
receive our prayers through thee.

O unique Virgin,
meek above all others,
make us, set free from our sins,
meek and chaste.

Bestow a pure life,
prepare a safe way:
that seeing Jesus,
we may ever rejoice.

Praise be to God the Father,
to the Most High Christ be glory,
to the Holy Spirit
be honor, to the Three equally. Amen.

Explanation

1. Ave, maris stella: "Hail, Star of the Sea," addresses Mary as the guiding star who helps Christians navigate through life's challenges.
2. Dei Mater alma, atque semper Virgo: "Nurturing Mother of God, and ever Virgin," honors Mary's unique role as the mother of Jesus and her perpetual virginity.
3. Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore: "Receiving that 'Ave' from Gabriel's mouth," refers to the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel greeted Mary.
4. Solve vincla reis, profer lumen caecis: "Loosen the chains of the guilty, send forth light to the blind," asking Mary to free us from sin and guide us with divine light.
5. Monstra te esse matrem: "Show thyself to be a Mother," seeking Mary's maternal intercession.
6. Virgo singularis, inter omnes mitis: "O unique Virgin, meek above all others," praising Mary's unparalleled virtue and meekness.
7. Vitam praesta puram, iter para tutum: "Bestow a pure life, prepare a safe way," asking for a life of purity and safe guidance to Jesus.
8. Sit laus Deo Patri, summo Christo decus: "Praise be to God the Father, to the Most High Christ be glory," giving honor to the Holy Trinity.

Usage

• The hymn is frequently sung or recited during Marian feasts, particularly in the Liturgy of the Hours (Vespers) and other devotional services.
• It is used in various contexts to seek Mary's intercession, guidance, and protection.

Significance

• "Ave Maris Stella" reflects deep Marian devotion and highlights Mary's role as a protector and guide for Christians.
• The prayer emphasizes themes of purity, intercession, and the transformative power of Mary's role in salvation history.
• It encourages believers to look to Mary as a source of comfort, guidance, and spiritual support in their journey of faith.